Traveling to London? 9 Must-Do Activities

So, you’re traveling across the pond to London. It’s one of the most famous cities in the world with an incredible history that is meant to be explored. With so much to and see, how do you choose which activities are the best? We’re here to help you make your trip to London worthwhile with these must-do activities. You’ll see history, experience London culture, and enjoy everything that London has to offer.

via Pixabay

Tower of London

The Tower of London is actually made up of multiple towers. There are twelve towers tourists can visit. With every admission ticket comes an hour-long guided tour, where you will learn the bloody history of the tower and its role in English politics. Some tourists say that the admission tickets are a little steep price-wise, but the money and wait are worth it.

Westminster Abbey

Everyone has heard of Westminster Abbey. The medieval cathedral has been the host to numerous royal weddings, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and coronations since 1066. The church is filled with beautiful artwork and stained glass windows. The moment you walk in, you can feel the history around you. If you’re feeling daring, you can even visit the royal tombs located on the grounds.

Thames River Cruise

If you are lucky enough to have a warm sunny day in London on your trip, book a cruise down the Thames River. It’s a great way to see many sites London has to offer without having to walk around and navigate your way through the streets. Traveling is exhausting, so a river cruise down the Thames is one way to relax while still seeing many monuments in London.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theater

Even if you aren’t a fan of Shakespeare’s writing, it’s a must to go visit the replica of the Globe Theater. Shakespeare and his company would perform at the Globe Theater for hundreds of people, including Queen Elizabeth I, who was an avid supporter of Shakespeare’s art. Unfortunately, the original theater burned down, but we are lucky enough to have an exact replica to walk through. If you enjoy the prose of Shakespeare, watch a performance of one of his plays while in London.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is best known for being the childhood home of Queen Victoria and the home of the late Princess Diana. You can walk through the very same halls these royal women walked down during their everyday routines. View the women’s fashion choices, read about their history and impact on the world today, and just enjoy the beauty of one of London’s famous palaces.

Buckingham Palace

See where the royal corgis live with Queen Elizabeth II with a tour of Buckingham Palace. While many rooms are closed off because it is occupied by the Royal family, you can still get a sense of what life is like as a royal. Make sure you stay and watch the changing of the guards outside of the palace. The choreographed routine is nothing short of impressive. Who knows, maybe you’ll even see the Queen herself.

via Pixabay

The London Eye

Get a full view of London on the famous Ferris wheel, the London Eye. At 443 feet tall, you can get a bird’s eye view of your soon-to-be favorite city. It’s located just on the Southbank of the river so you can see the London Bridge and many towers and palaces all from one spot. It’s truly one of the most serene and incredible activities London has to offer.

Jack the Ripper Tour

Take a tour down the streets the world’s most famous and prolific serial killer walked on a Jack the Ripper Tour. Learn about his gruesome crimes and the fear he instilled in the city of London in the late 19th century. While we still do not know the true identity of Jack of the Ripper, we’re sure your tour guide will have some theory as to who he might have been.

Tea Time

England is famous for their afternoon tea. Embrace London’s culture and enjoy an afternoon of high tea at a posh restaurant with finger sandwiches, pastries, and your favorite type of tea with a splash of milk. You’ll enjoy it so much, you’ll probably want to include tea time in your everyday routine when you get home.

Enjoy All London Has to Offer

There is a reason London is a top tourist destination. While the weather may not be the prettiest, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as touring medieval churches like Westminster Abbey and the many palaces the Royal family owns. Enjoy a Shakespeare play with authentic English accents after touring the Globe Theater. Educate yourself about London’s dark past at the Tower of London and during a Jack the Ripper tour. Or, just relax and embrace the English culture with a cup of afternoon tea. No matter what you do, you’ll find that London is a city you have to visit more than once.

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Brittany is a senior English major with a concentration in creative writing at Temple University. After growing up in a very rural part of Pennsylvania, she found her calling in the streets of the big city of Philadelphia. Aside from writing, she enjoys reading, movies, baking, and photography.